The data are from the latest analysis by the Institute for College Access and Success. It's based on estimates from federal data and also from information reported voluntarily by four-year public and private colleges.

University of Wisconsin System spokesman David Giroux said UW wants to be mindful of student debts. He adds that Wisconsin's default rate is among the lowest in the country.

State averages for debt ranged from $18,000 in New Mexico to almost $34,000 in Delaware.

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